The company claims Casia is the first system that allows an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to truly understand the aviation environment around it as if a pilot were on board.

Casia detects other aircraft, uses machine learning to classify them, makes intelligent decisions about the threat they may pose to the vehicle, and triggers automated manoeuvres to avoid collisions.

Supercomputer

Casia is a combination of both hardware and software. It’s ultra lightweight, low power and small, comprising artificial intelligence algorithms and software packaged in a self-contained supercomputer that works with a machine vision camera.

“Casia is the critical piece our industry has been dreaming about for years – finally allowing us to use drones to their full commercial potential,” said Iris Automation CEO Alexander Harmsen.

“By unlocking BVLOS flight with Casia, operators all over the world will be able to use their aircraft in every conceivable scenario.”

The Casia technology has been tested with 7,000+ real-world test flights and mid-air collision scenarios – flying various manned aircraft against UAS – and over 40,000 encounters in simulation. Casia also ran an early adopter programme with more than 30 participating beta customers from five countries.